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By Pain of Death
Can the winter in his heart be thawed?
Hades has lost track of the passage of time beyond sorting the deceased into their eternal homes. With each arrival of another soul, the agony they experienced in their final moments seeps into his ichor. It is a painful, isolated existence within Hades's palace, but far safer than returning to the Underworld beyond its doors.
Hades's predictable days are interrupted by the arrival of Hermes with a stranger of a deity that Hades can barely recall. When the god introduces himself as Seph and explains that he needs a safe place where his life-entwined mother can't follow, Hades is forced to confront the loneliness that dwells deep within him—and his personal belief that he deserves little more than death as well.
By Pain of Death is a 9,500-word low heat M/M retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth with a disabled protagonist and a trans man love interest.
This book is intended only for adult audiences. Content notes may be found in the book's front matter and on the author's website.
Hades has lost track of the passage of time beyond sorting the deceased into their eternal homes. With each arrival of another soul, the agony they experienced in their final moments seeps into his ichor. It is a painful, isolated existence within Hades's palace, but far safer than returning to the Underworld beyond its doors.
Hades's predictable days are interrupted by the arrival of Hermes with a stranger of a deity that Hades can barely recall. When the god introduces himself as Seph and explains that he needs a safe place where his life-entwined mother can't follow, Hades is forced to confront the loneliness that dwells deep within him—and his personal belief that he deserves little more than death as well.
By Pain of Death is a 9,500-word low heat M/M retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth with a disabled protagonist and a trans man love interest.
This book is intended only for adult audiences. Content notes may be found in the book's front matter and on the author's website.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2022
65 people are currently reading
762 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Clay
12 books57 followersSuzanne Clay (she/he/they) is an asexual enby with a great love for writing erotic romance, and enjoys spending her time confusing people with that fact. They live with her wife and two cats, and, when not writing, Suzanne enjoys reading, playing video games poorly, and refusing to interact outdoors with other human beings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
July 5, 2023
"What does she see when she looks at you?"
"A pretty little daughter she can groom into being her perfect accessory," Seph murmured bitterly. Hades squeezed his arm. "She sees what she wants, then. She'd rather lie to herself than appreciate who you really are."
"Yes." His whisper barely had voice.
"Then she's a fool."
make all retellings gay and trans, thank you
read as part of 202-Queer 🌈✨
"A pretty little daughter she can groom into being her perfect accessory," Seph murmured bitterly. Hades squeezed his arm. "She sees what she wants, then. She'd rather lie to herself than appreciate who you really are."
"Yes." His whisper barely had voice.
"Then she's a fool."
make all retellings gay and trans, thank you
read as part of 202-Queer 🌈✨
May 12, 2022
Already did a reread because this beauty is now available to all of you!
Did I add 8 more highlights while reading this? Maybe. I have fallen even more in love with this iteration of Hades and Seph and how perfectly the romance developed in this novella. The balance between worldbuilding, characterization and plot is flawless, not a word is wasted.
New favourite of the year, 100%. 54 pages and 42 bookmarks later, I don't think I fully processed it all but I loved it.
This untraditional retelling of Hades and Persephone does not feature an abduction but a trans god willingly walking into the underworld to escape from his mother and a world-weary Hades that barely notices his loneliness anymore. The novella offers a respite to you and the characters, a chance to just be - be happy, be angry, be in pain - without judgment.
The level of detail and nuance in the writing (did I mention my 42 bookmarks?) paired with two fully realized lead characters made this a lovely experience. I could not help but emphasize with Hades, the physical pain he feels through the incoming souls and the mental anxiety of stepping outside one's comfort zone. I could not help but be just as enamoured with Seph who is direct and spirited and compassionate.
There is a strong focus on communication and boundaries around forming new relationships. One example is the way Clay uses names and gender to emphasize that (Hades never misgenders Seph, even during their first proper meeting), or how they focus on physical space (touch, yes, but also the underworld itself), or the help for pain management (Seph is careful not to overstep), and just the whole concept of what being in a relationship would mean for both of them and where the new lines are drawn. I just loved this a whole lot.
I have so many feelings about this piece and I can already see this becoming a comfort read in the future.
Let me just leave you with the first sentence, it will make you want to read more
I received an advanced reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Did I add 8 more highlights while reading this? Maybe. I have fallen even more in love with this iteration of Hades and Seph and how perfectly the romance developed in this novella. The balance between worldbuilding, characterization and plot is flawless, not a word is wasted.
New favourite of the year, 100%. 54 pages and 42 bookmarks later, I don't think I fully processed it all but I loved it.
This untraditional retelling of Hades and Persephone does not feature an abduction but a trans god willingly walking into the underworld to escape from his mother and a world-weary Hades that barely notices his loneliness anymore. The novella offers a respite to you and the characters, a chance to just be - be happy, be angry, be in pain - without judgment.
The level of detail and nuance in the writing (did I mention my 42 bookmarks?) paired with two fully realized lead characters made this a lovely experience. I could not help but emphasize with Hades, the physical pain he feels through the incoming souls and the mental anxiety of stepping outside one's comfort zone. I could not help but be just as enamoured with Seph who is direct and spirited and compassionate.
There is a strong focus on communication and boundaries around forming new relationships. One example is the way Clay uses names and gender to emphasize that (Hades never misgenders Seph, even during their first proper meeting), or how they focus on physical space (touch, yes, but also the underworld itself), or the help for pain management (Seph is careful not to overstep), and just the whole concept of what being in a relationship would mean for both of them and where the new lines are drawn. I just loved this a whole lot.
I have so many feelings about this piece and I can already see this becoming a comfort read in the future.
Let me just leave you with the first sentence, it will make you want to read more
Pain, despite what some poets proclaimed, was not a mortal thing.
I received an advanced reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2023
hmmm too short to get that grip on this. but also didn’t like it.
May 6, 2022
HAPPY RELEASE DAY! Thanks to the author for an advanced copy to review! I. LOVED. This.
By Pain of Death is the most unique interpretation of Hades and Persephone I've ever read. The power of Indie publishing!
This Hades' powers and the responsibilities of the Underworld manifest as a disability, chronic pain partnered with agoraphobia. I found this worldbuilding incredible, fresh, and so impressive to set up within a 10,000-word novella. And Seph? I love him and his wholesome mushroom compounds to help with Hades' burdens.
The story avoids all of the squick of the original myths for me; Seph enters the Underworld of his own volition to seek refuge from Demeter's disappointment. There's plenty of shade thrown at Zeus' philandering, and Poseidon's wrathful ways, just what I like to see. Hades is accepting of Seph's identity from the start and we stan a supportive king.
The writing is gorgeous; I don't think I've ever highlighted so many excellent lines and turns of phrase in such a short piece before. It's so well done writing-wise, the story clearly lovingly crafted from personal experience. I cannot recommend it enough as a truly refreshing, woke retelling that won't take long at all to read.
By Pain of Death is the most unique interpretation of Hades and Persephone I've ever read. The power of Indie publishing!
This Hades' powers and the responsibilities of the Underworld manifest as a disability, chronic pain partnered with agoraphobia. I found this worldbuilding incredible, fresh, and so impressive to set up within a 10,000-word novella. And Seph? I love him and his wholesome mushroom compounds to help with Hades' burdens.
The story avoids all of the squick of the original myths for me; Seph enters the Underworld of his own volition to seek refuge from Demeter's disappointment. There's plenty of shade thrown at Zeus' philandering, and Poseidon's wrathful ways, just what I like to see. Hades is accepting of Seph's identity from the start and we stan a supportive king.
The writing is gorgeous; I don't think I've ever highlighted so many excellent lines and turns of phrase in such a short piece before. It's so well done writing-wise, the story clearly lovingly crafted from personal experience. I cannot recommend it enough as a truly refreshing, woke retelling that won't take long at all to read.
November 10, 2024
By Pain of Death is a short, standalone story by author Suzanne Clay. Here's what you can expect from Hades and Seph:
🖤 MM mythological retelling
🖤 Third person single point of view
🖤 Happily ever after
🖤 Short, 9,500 word story
🖤 Low heat
🖤 Trans representation
🖤 Chronic pain representation
🖤 Retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth
As always, ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
This is a beautiful short story that can definitely be read in one sitting. If you love mythology and lore, this is a very unique take on the myth of Hades and Persephone. The author managed to pack so much into 9,500 words. The story is told from Hades's point of view, and the pain and anxiety he feels will resonate with so many readers. Seph is his complete opposite, and although Hades doesn't believe such a life-entwined deity such as Seph can dwell in the cavernous underworld, he finds himself drawn to his presence. They each soothe something in the other, and although their story comes to an end quickly, it's perfect for them. Although love can't heal us, Hades and Seph are proof that being with the right person can make the journey just a little bit easier. One of my favourite recommendations from a Pride 2023 reading list!
🖤 MM mythological retelling
🖤 Third person single point of view
🖤 Happily ever after
🖤 Short, 9,500 word story
🖤 Low heat
🖤 Trans representation
🖤 Chronic pain representation
🖤 Retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth
As always, ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
This is a beautiful short story that can definitely be read in one sitting. If you love mythology and lore, this is a very unique take on the myth of Hades and Persephone. The author managed to pack so much into 9,500 words. The story is told from Hades's point of view, and the pain and anxiety he feels will resonate with so many readers. Seph is his complete opposite, and although Hades doesn't believe such a life-entwined deity such as Seph can dwell in the cavernous underworld, he finds himself drawn to his presence. They each soothe something in the other, and although their story comes to an end quickly, it's perfect for them. Although love can't heal us, Hades and Seph are proof that being with the right person can make the journey just a little bit easier. One of my favourite recommendations from a Pride 2023 reading list!
December 17, 2022
Hades & Seph, such a cute story! Massages, mushrooms, dealing with the underworld, some courting/dates. This was a treat.
May 8, 2022
3.5
Really cute, I love a good queer Hades/Persephone retelling, even better with disability rep and a trans Seph! Obviously the romance goes very fast because it's a short story so I have a hard time being fully convinced as an aro reader who needs more of a slowburn, but this was well written with good characters so I definitely still enjoyed it despite wishing it was longer/slower paced
Also worth mentionning it's helping getting me out of my first big reading slump in a good while so that's a win
Really cute, I love a good queer Hades/Persephone retelling, even better with disability rep and a trans Seph! Obviously the romance goes very fast because it's a short story so I have a hard time being fully convinced as an aro reader who needs more of a slowburn, but this was well written with good characters so I definitely still enjoyed it despite wishing it was longer/slower paced
Also worth mentionning it's helping getting me out of my first big reading slump in a good while so that's a win
July 13, 2023
Was für eine schön geschriebene, kurze Novelle! Ich fand es toll wie das Thema Chronische Krankheit behandelt wurde 🫶
April 3, 2023
The good
+ Seph romancing Hades
+ Hades always doing his job, even when it hurts him
+ Seph wanting Hades exactly how he is, and not making him 'overcome his fears' or 'push through the pain'
+ Seph growing fungi in the Underworld
+ Seph taking care of Hades
+ The lonely, touch-starved, affection-starved guy getting wooed properly
+ Seph getting enough strength from his bond with Hades to
The neutral
o A lot of the romancing was summarized instead of shown on-page, but the message was clear enough
The bad
- The reader never learned how
Quotes
x "Oh, you beautiful things." Seph plucked one fungus from the ground and rubbed it against his cheek as his eyes fell shut. "Look at you. You've done so well. I'm so proud of you."
x "I'd like to dine with you." "You would?" "Yes." "Oh. Wh- Why?" "Because I'm curious about you. Because I'd like to hear what you have to say about the work you've done. Because I'd prefer to romance you like I think you deserve, but you're as skittish as a squirrel, and I think you need to know I don't mean you any harm before you'll let yourself consider me."
This was adorable. I loved how Seph wooed Hades and made sure he loved Hades exactly the way he was and never asked him to change anything. In return, Hades loved Seph exactly the way he was and accepted him right from the start. Despite all the dark topics that were mentioned, this was a really sweet read. Would definitely recommend.
+ Seph romancing Hades
+ Hades always doing his job, even when it hurts him
+ Seph wanting Hades exactly how he is, and not making him 'overcome his fears' or 'push through the pain'
+ Seph growing fungi in the Underworld
+ Seph taking care of Hades
+ The lonely, touch-starved, affection-starved guy getting wooed properly
+ Seph getting enough strength from his bond with Hades to
The neutral
o A lot of the romancing was summarized instead of shown on-page, but the message was clear enough
The bad
- The reader never learned how
Quotes
x "Oh, you beautiful things." Seph plucked one fungus from the ground and rubbed it against his cheek as his eyes fell shut. "Look at you. You've done so well. I'm so proud of you."
x "I'd like to dine with you." "You would?" "Yes." "Oh. Wh- Why?" "Because I'm curious about you. Because I'd like to hear what you have to say about the work you've done. Because I'd prefer to romance you like I think you deserve, but you're as skittish as a squirrel, and I think you need to know I don't mean you any harm before you'll let yourself consider me."
This was adorable. I loved how Seph wooed Hades and made sure he loved Hades exactly the way he was and never asked him to change anything. In return, Hades loved Seph exactly the way he was and accepted him right from the start. Despite all the dark topics that were mentioned, this was a really sweet read. Would definitely recommend.
October 22, 2022
Seph was born to charm life into things, and Hades was born to shrink under the weight of their inevitable corpses.
I need this to be a full length novel. That's it, that's the review.
"Then take me to bed and love me all night."
"Day, night, twilight, and dawn. I'll never stop."
April 1, 2023
2.5 stars
Too small! I wanted a lot more. Writing style is decent, the story is incredible but too short, the representation was good. Just wish this one was a lot longer!
Too small! I wanted a lot more. Writing style is decent, the story is incredible but too short, the representation was good. Just wish this one was a lot longer!
May 5, 2022
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
By Pain of Death is a unique, compassionate, inclusive rendering of Hades and Persephone. While I’ve read a few of these by this point, Clay’s perspective is imaginative and brings new life to an old tale.
Hades dealing with disability and chronic pain is so beautifully done, explaining his sense of isolation, and there’s extra significance in how Hades is the god who is the most vilified, and disabled people are often also misunderstood or stereotyped. To see the manifestation of that in his isolation is poignant.
And Seph is equally compassionately rendered. Clay interrogates the dysfunctional parent/child relationship between him and Demeter, drawing parallels with the toxic relationships many intolerant parents have with their trans children.
Both Hades and Seph have baggage that they come to each other with, and they accept each other wholeheartedly, flaws and all.
I loved this story, and would recommend it to anyone who liked mythology retellings or is looking for good disability and/or trans rep.
By Pain of Death is a unique, compassionate, inclusive rendering of Hades and Persephone. While I’ve read a few of these by this point, Clay’s perspective is imaginative and brings new life to an old tale.
Hades dealing with disability and chronic pain is so beautifully done, explaining his sense of isolation, and there’s extra significance in how Hades is the god who is the most vilified, and disabled people are often also misunderstood or stereotyped. To see the manifestation of that in his isolation is poignant.
And Seph is equally compassionately rendered. Clay interrogates the dysfunctional parent/child relationship between him and Demeter, drawing parallels with the toxic relationships many intolerant parents have with their trans children.
Both Hades and Seph have baggage that they come to each other with, and they accept each other wholeheartedly, flaws and all.
I loved this story, and would recommend it to anyone who liked mythology retellings or is looking for good disability and/or trans rep.
September 13, 2023
"What does she see when she looks at you?"
"A pretty little daughter she can groom into being her perfect accessory."
"She sees what she wants, then. She'd rather lie to herself than appreciate you for who you really are."
"Yes."
"Then she's a fool."
I felt this😭😭Why did it have to be so short😭
"A pretty little daughter she can groom into being her perfect accessory."
"She sees what she wants, then. She'd rather lie to herself than appreciate you for who you really are."
"Yes."
"Then she's a fool."
I felt this😭😭Why did it have to be so short😭
September 20, 2022
5 stars
i love hades and seph!!
i love hades and seph!!
May 27, 2022
5/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
House of Obscure Reviews
Content Warnings for book: Depictions of chronic pain, agoraphobia, reference to off-page sexual assault (not by or about MCs), reference to suicide, misgendering, death
Kink: N/A, has one veiled sex scene
I... am finding it difficult to put to words how this made me feel except that despite it's length (40ish pages), it touches on a lot of emotional and beautiful moments about love, about chronic pain, about transness that I don't think I've really read before. I am not someone with chronic pain but as someone who is transmasculine, I really loved that representation here. I also loved how Clay did not have us wallowing in transphobia, nor offer accidental misgendering from Hades.
Clay's writing is amazing, it really shines in both how poetic it is and simplistic in other moments. It felt so fluid, like I could imagine the detail of every scene and, through the POV character which is Hades, how he was feeling. I loved how she pulled in elements of the Greek mythology and aspects of both gods - it was not heavy-handed or cookie-cutter in the way you might think. The metaphors were just so well executed in my opinion. It's just a new favorite of mine.
I highly recommend this book. Consider my lack of words to speak to how well-written and enjoyable it was, that I wish you experience it yourself.
House of Obscure Reviews
Content Warnings for book: Depictions of chronic pain, agoraphobia, reference to off-page sexual assault (not by or about MCs), reference to suicide, misgendering, death
Kink: N/A, has one veiled sex scene
"Stop. Torturing. Yourself. For me," Seph whispered between kisses. Then he held him tightly, a warm barrier against spine-covered terror. "Stop. Stop, stop, stop."
"I want to be better than this..."
"You are exactly who I want you to be." Seph sucked in a gasp of wet air, speaking through quiet tears. "Upon my word, whatever fears you have, whatever pain you feel, I don't care for you despite them. They're a part of you. Do you understand? And whatever makes up who you are? That's what I'm falling deeper and deeper for every time I see you."
I... am finding it difficult to put to words how this made me feel except that despite it's length (40ish pages), it touches on a lot of emotional and beautiful moments about love, about chronic pain, about transness that I don't think I've really read before. I am not someone with chronic pain but as someone who is transmasculine, I really loved that representation here. I also loved how Clay did not have us wallowing in transphobia, nor offer accidental misgendering from Hades.
Clay's writing is amazing, it really shines in both how poetic it is and simplistic in other moments. It felt so fluid, like I could imagine the detail of every scene and, through the POV character which is Hades, how he was feeling. I loved how she pulled in elements of the Greek mythology and aspects of both gods - it was not heavy-handed or cookie-cutter in the way you might think. The metaphors were just so well executed in my opinion. It's just a new favorite of mine.
I highly recommend this book. Consider my lack of words to speak to how well-written and enjoyable it was, that I wish you experience it yourself.
April 17, 2022
I adore this novella! It’s so difficult to craft a believable romance within such a short length but it’s so enjoyable when done right. And Suzanne Clay sure did.
The story is Hades and Persephone retelling but at the same time it is deeply personal and rooted in experience. Hades is disabled - he suffers from chronic pain, flaring up every time the Underworld admits new souls - which it does constantly. And he also has agoraphobia, so he closed himself off in his palace.
I loved that Seph with his sunshine nature is not the miraculous cure for Hades not does he try to change him. He helps as much as he can but ultimately he takes Hades as he is. And vice versa, Hades never misgenders Seph (who is a trans man) and he wants him to have any joy he can find in the Underworld.
And I adored Seph, he is a sunshine but not that obnoxious, loud, always smiling kind. He is respectful of Hades’s boundaries and he can be quiet when needed.
All in all, a very enjoyable, imaginative Greek mythology retelling with believable romance and relatable heroes, written in a beautiful style.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The story is Hades and Persephone retelling but at the same time it is deeply personal and rooted in experience. Hades is disabled - he suffers from chronic pain, flaring up every time the Underworld admits new souls - which it does constantly. And he also has agoraphobia, so he closed himself off in his palace.
I loved that Seph with his sunshine nature is not the miraculous cure for Hades not does he try to change him. He helps as much as he can but ultimately he takes Hades as he is. And vice versa, Hades never misgenders Seph (who is a trans man) and he wants him to have any joy he can find in the Underworld.
And I adored Seph, he is a sunshine but not that obnoxious, loud, always smiling kind. He is respectful of Hades’s boundaries and he can be quiet when needed.
All in all, a very enjoyable, imaginative Greek mythology retelling with believable romance and relatable heroes, written in a beautiful style.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2023
I have been reading ARCs from Clay over the last six months as I can fit it into my schedule. This story was something that I was able to finish in a leisurely hour.
It is the retelling of Hades, who suffers chronic pain, and Seph, who is a trans and not properly seen by his mother. I was very embarrassed that it took me a long time to figure out who the character of Seph was. Then it was the most obvious thing.
The main point of this story is that Hades accepts Seph as he wants to be, and Seph brings life from decay in the Underworld. I always was a mushroom fan, and the use of mushrooms in this story makes me smile.
Clay has the unique ability to write things I'll enjoy, no matter how unusual they may seem at first. There is kindness in the writing here, but also in Clay's writing in general. It made me believe love would continue to grow between Hades and Seph (and not just because it was a retelling and we're spoiled to that anyway).
I recommend it to those who are intrigued by the blurb, who like mythology retellings, who want chronic pain rep in a story, and who want something that is ultimately hopeful.
It is the retelling of Hades, who suffers chronic pain, and Seph, who is a trans and not properly seen by his mother. I was very embarrassed that it took me a long time to figure out who the character of Seph was. Then it was the most obvious thing.
The main point of this story is that Hades accepts Seph as he wants to be, and Seph brings life from decay in the Underworld. I always was a mushroom fan, and the use of mushrooms in this story makes me smile.
Clay has the unique ability to write things I'll enjoy, no matter how unusual they may seem at first. There is kindness in the writing here, but also in Clay's writing in general. It made me believe love would continue to grow between Hades and Seph (and not just because it was a retelling and we're spoiled to that anyway).
I recommend it to those who are intrigued by the blurb, who like mythology retellings, who want chronic pain rep in a story, and who want something that is ultimately hopeful.
May 21, 2025
Another short story struck by the curse of being too short to be properly enjoyable.
It was fine, I like the take on Hades as someone who experiences the pain of the souls he basically processes through the Underworld, likening it to a chronic illness. And then all the mental health stuff that comes with that. And it's of course hella romantic that Seph is able to help him with that, and it's sweet that they just See each other.
It's just that it was about 50 pages long when it could have stood to be about 300. I wanted more from the world, from the characters, from the romance. Because it did just happen far too quickly for me to believe it, it almost feels like Seph came in here already having the hots for Hades and he acts on this so immediately. Loved the potential, disappointed that it's not quite there.
It was fine, I like the take on Hades as someone who experiences the pain of the souls he basically processes through the Underworld, likening it to a chronic illness. And then all the mental health stuff that comes with that. And it's of course hella romantic that Seph is able to help him with that, and it's sweet that they just See each other.
It's just that it was about 50 pages long when it could have stood to be about 300. I wanted more from the world, from the characters, from the romance. Because it did just happen far too quickly for me to believe it, it almost feels like Seph came in here already having the hots for Hades and he acts on this so immediately. Loved the potential, disappointed that it's not quite there.
May 4, 2023
“I want to be better than this...”
“You are exactly who I want you to be.”
3.5 stars. Very lovely little short story, a retelling of the Hades/Seph myth with a trans guy Seph and Hades who suffers from chronic pain. I really liked the imagining of death in this world, how it comes to Hades, how he deals with the souls, the way that translates into pain for him. It's a condensed story of love and acceptance, how these two men provide just the exact type of bulwark that the other needs. It isn't my favourite reimagining of Hades and Demeter, but I did like it, and the language was lovely. Too short for me to feel a whole lot for it, but I loved the intent.
December 4, 2022
I enjoyed reading this - a MM retelling of Hades and Persephone is something I have been wanting to read (and searching for on occasion) for months, if not longer.
And this was well done! The prose was beautiful, and made me smile in parts.
The only reason this isn't a higher rating is I feel like there was so much that could have been done with it. I couldn't find myself deeply invested in the characters, and the plot itself feels like it is barely touching the surface.
Despite this, it scratched an itch that I've had for a while - so if the premise interests you, I'd say definitely give it a shot. It's a nice, easy read.
And this was well done! The prose was beautiful, and made me smile in parts.
The only reason this isn't a higher rating is I feel like there was so much that could have been done with it. I couldn't find myself deeply invested in the characters, and the plot itself feels like it is barely touching the surface.
Despite this, it scratched an itch that I've had for a while - so if the premise interests you, I'd say definitely give it a shot. It's a nice, easy read.
August 2, 2023
deeply moving, thoroughly engrossing
I’m a sucker for a retelling of a classic tale, especially a queer one, especially one like this that packs so much emotion into so few pages. It really did leave me breathless how much I came to care for Hades and Seph over the course of their courtship and even though I knew there had to be a happy ending, my heart still soared to see how it all came together.
I’m a sucker for a retelling of a classic tale, especially a queer one, especially one like this that packs so much emotion into so few pages. It really did leave me breathless how much I came to care for Hades and Seph over the course of their courtship and even though I knew there had to be a happy ending, my heart still soared to see how it all came together.
Read
October 13, 2024This is a 54 page short story. Mm Hades/Persephone retelling. Hades is in great physical pain and loneliness. The author said it was inspired by her chronic health issues and pain. It was cute in its way, but short and lacking in the spice dept. Had a wholesome feel about it which is odd for a story about the God of The Underworld.
April 26, 2023
THE ONLY RETELLING EVERRRR
This was so much fun and I absolutely loved the voice and style!! Seph and Hades now own my entire heart. I never knew I needed a Hades/Persephone retelling with trans man Seph until now, but this was lovely and also very immersive!
This was so much fun and I absolutely loved the voice and style!! Seph and Hades now own my entire heart. I never knew I needed a Hades/Persephone retelling with trans man Seph until now, but this was lovely and also very immersive!
September 26, 2022
This novelette warmed my cold, dead heart <3
Read
December 30, 2022Trigger & Content Warnings:
Misgendering
Sexual assault, off-page
Agoraphobia
Suicide mentioned
Chronic pain
Misgendering
Sexual assault, off-page
Agoraphobia
Suicide mentioned
Chronic pain
April 13, 2023
Too short to be impactful or interesting
May 6, 2023
I loved the concept of this book! I also would love to see a longer version with more development.
Read
July 12, 2023Probably the best queer retelling of Hades and Persephone myth that I've read! I think I would rate it higher if it were longer, so more time could be spent with Hades and Seph and on their growing relationship, as well as more time spent on Seph's relationship with Demeter and more of an understanding of him as more than just Hades's love interest.
June 1, 2022
I typically stray away from mythological retellings — largely because I’m something a self-proclaimed mythology expert — but Suzanne Clay’s, By Pain of Death, caught my attention. A queer retelling of Hades and Persephone? Where Persephone, a trans man, is known as Seph? A cursory look at the page count was what sealed the deal for me. What’s the harm in hunkering down on a rainy spring day for a short story?
I didn’t regret my decision. At all.
Suzanne Clay creates a remarkable landscape for us to observe our heroes. We meet Hades, overworked, and burdened by the responsibilities of his station. He’s as serious and as stoic as mythology depicts him, spread too thin by an influx of new souls, and the pain he takes onto himself. Seph appears at the gates of the Underworld looking for a way in — in a sense, they are kindred spirits. Seph would never stack up to his mother’s expectations, and feels the burgeoning pressure of being perfect. They begin an unlikely friendship (though, on Seph’s side it’s infinitely more flirtatious), and from there, a relationship begins to grow. This retelling is a heartfelt story of opposites attracting, and uplifting each other.
Clay’s writing was absolutely stunning. It’s rare to find a piece that could create such visceral emotion in so few words. I enjoyed By Pain of Death immensely, and will definitely read more of Clay’s work in the future! I wholly recommend this to anyone looking for a trans/queer retelling of a mythological favorite!
I didn’t regret my decision. At all.
Suzanne Clay creates a remarkable landscape for us to observe our heroes. We meet Hades, overworked, and burdened by the responsibilities of his station. He’s as serious and as stoic as mythology depicts him, spread too thin by an influx of new souls, and the pain he takes onto himself. Seph appears at the gates of the Underworld looking for a way in — in a sense, they are kindred spirits. Seph would never stack up to his mother’s expectations, and feels the burgeoning pressure of being perfect. They begin an unlikely friendship (though, on Seph’s side it’s infinitely more flirtatious), and from there, a relationship begins to grow. This retelling is a heartfelt story of opposites attracting, and uplifting each other.
Clay’s writing was absolutely stunning. It’s rare to find a piece that could create such visceral emotion in so few words. I enjoyed By Pain of Death immensely, and will definitely read more of Clay’s work in the future! I wholly recommend this to anyone looking for a trans/queer retelling of a mythological favorite!
June 9, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
By Pain of Death is a short story that packs a big punch. It’s a re-telling of the classic Greek myth that shows the struggle and reward of finding salvation in the darkest of places. I will say that it’s a decidedly gentler version of the Hades/Persephone mythos and tends to be somewhat light on plot.
In By Pain of Death, Hades suffers intense, physical pain as a result of his work with the dead. His pain is palpable and agonizing and the author does a great job demonstrating how much the pain weighs on him without actually breaking him. Seph is a balm and offers succor without stripping Hades of his self worth and autonomy. Despite the shortened nature of this story, Hades’ realm is given depth and reads as an intensely real place, a world unique to Hades and, in some ways, reflective of his suffering.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
By Pain of Death is a short story that packs a big punch. It’s a re-telling of the classic Greek myth that shows the struggle and reward of finding salvation in the darkest of places. I will say that it’s a decidedly gentler version of the Hades/Persephone mythos and tends to be somewhat light on plot.
In By Pain of Death, Hades suffers intense, physical pain as a result of his work with the dead. His pain is palpable and agonizing and the author does a great job demonstrating how much the pain weighs on him without actually breaking him. Seph is a balm and offers succor without stripping Hades of his self worth and autonomy. Despite the shortened nature of this story, Hades’ realm is given depth and reads as an intensely real place, a world unique to Hades and, in some ways, reflective of his suffering.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
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